NMSDC remains at the vanguard of transformative change for minority business enterprises (MBEs). This year was marked by a series of strategic initiatives and robust advocacy efforts aimed at fostering an equitable business landscape, transcending boundaries from national policymaking to local economic empowerment.
Strategic Engagements and Partnerships: Amplifying Our Voice
Our journey began with a decisive stance against the injunction impacting the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). This led to the launch of the MBE Center for Accelerated Growth and Innovation, a move reinforcing our commitment to nurturing MBEs. New strategic partnerships with organizations like the Global Black Economic Forum and Latino Business Action Network were essential in advocating for shared stakeholders, while our engagement with the White House and other national and global entities underscored our role in shaping policy dialogues. Throughout the year, NMSDC engaged in numerous strategic initiatives and partnerships, each playing a crucial role in advancing our advocacy goals. We leveraged these initiatives to respond to immediate challenges and lay down a sustainable path for the future growth and empowerment of MBEs.
Congressional Advocacy: A Comprehensive Approach
We engaged directly with Congress through a series of meetings. These encounters educated lawmakers on the criticality of policies supporting minority-owned businesses, focusing on their local economic impacts and the legal challenges threatening supplier diversity programs.
The “Day on the Hill” Event: A Testament to Collaborative Advocacy
The backbone of our advocacy strategy lies in the dedicated work of the 23 regional affiliates that support NMSDC. Dispersed nationwide, they have been instrumental in addressing issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Their response to the Supreme Court’s decision on affirmative action in higher education sparked a series of concerted efforts to protect and promote the interests of MBEs at the local, state, and federal levels.
The “Day on the Hill” event in Washington, D.C., served as the culmination of our advocacy campaign, where regional affiliate presidents led the charge, along with corporate representatives and Minority Business Enterprise Impact Committee (MBEIC) chairs, and engaged with over 50 lawmakers. The purpose of this event was not just to engage in dialogue. It also educated and enlightened congressional members about their role in addressing and rectifying historical discrimination.
Educational Campaigns and Persistent Engagement
Our educational campaign during Congress’s August recess was marked by in-person meetings with congressional members, persistent engagement through phone calls and emails, and concerted efforts to raise awareness about the challenges and opportunities facing MBEs.
Additional Highlights of Our Advocacy Efforts
- NMSDC led a historic coalition convening at the White House to brief senior administration leaders on the threats to diverse business programs and provided specific recommendations on policy strategies.
- Global Outreach: Reflecting our commitment to global advocacy, NMSDC’s first expedition to the India B20 Summit marked our re-entry into the international dialogue, bringing diverse perspectives to our local and national initiatives.
- Programmatic Initiatives: The focus on equity in contracting through the Investing in America Plan and extensive programming at our Annual Conference & Exchange underscored our role in shaping economic opportunities for MBEs.
- Campaigns and Policy Discussions: The #WeAreAllFearless campaign and ongoing policy dialogues with key stakeholders, including the White House, exemplified our multifaceted approach to advocacy.
Addressing Legal and Political Challenges
In the face of escalating attacks on affirmative action and diversity, NMSDC intensified its advocacy. Our comprehensive strategy seeks to address the multifaceted legal and political challenges threatening the existence of supplier diversity programs.
In response to these challenges, NMSDC formulated a three-pronged strategy:
- Advocate and Influence: Utilizing our network’s strong business voice, we aim to create awareness and understanding of the importance of diversity in business.
- Coalition Building: We will lead efforts to coordinate, strategize, and mobilize business voices. This involves engaging and aligning with partners to create a united front.
- Collaboration with Civil Rights Organizations: By bringing a business perspective to the efforts of civil rights groups, we intend to take decisive action and advocate for our cause.
We continue to meet with our coalition partners to move this strategy through various workstreams. We will continue to update all NMSDC stakeholders as we move into the new year.
Looking Ahead: Navigating Future Challenges
As we navigate the ongoing challenges to affirmative action and business diversity, our commitment to advocacy remains unwavering. We recognize that the battle for equality in the business sector is ongoing, and our resolve to champion the cause of MBEs is stronger than ever. As a stakeholder in this network, you wield the collective power of NMSDC. This power is crucial in countering attacks on diversity and garnering public support to remind elected officials of the essential role business diversity plays in the broader success of the U.S. economy. Your participation is vital in shaping effective responses in the courts and public discourse and we welcome your continued collaboration as we strive towards a more inclusive and prosperous business environment for all.
